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Port Talbot RNLI diverted from The Mumbles Raft Race to a swimmer in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

This afternoon (Saturday 27 July 2024) at 12.09pm, RNLI volunteers were tasked by HM Coastguard from their public relations duties at the Mumbles RNLI raft race. To reports of a swimmer in difficulties approximately half a mile off The Swn Y Nant Nursing home Aberavon beach

Port Talbot RNLI Diverted from raft race to a swimmer in difficulties

RNLI/Ceri Jeffreys

Port Talbot RNLI Diverted from raft race to a swimmer in difficulties

On a bright sunny busy beach day in July, Port Talbot RNLI volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat Craig Morris to support The Mumbles RNLI with their Raft Race.

Whilst launching an making their way to the event, HM Coastguard requested the volunteer crew to immediately divert to a rescue.

With the tasking indicating the highest priority of urgency - 'a swimmer in distress', the volunteer crew made best possible safe speed to the last reported position of the casualty. Also tasked were RNLI lifeguards from Aberavon Beach with their Rescue Water Craft (jet ski).

Fortunately with sea conditions allowing for rapid sprint across Swansea Bay our volunteer crew arrived on scene quickly. Arriving on scene just as the casualty had been able to self rescue and was met by our colleagues from Port Talbot Coastguard who confirmed no further assistance was required.

All RNLI and Coastguard assets were then requested to stand down. This was an excellent example of RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew, RNLI lifeguards and Port Talbot Coastguard working in unison to keep our beaches safe during a busy day on Aberavon Beach.

Port Talbot RNLI inshore lifeboat was recovered, refuelled and made ready for service, with the crew returning to their families.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Port Talbot RNLI Diverted from raft race

RNLI/Ceri Jeffreys

Port Talbot RNLI Diverted from raft race
Port Talbot RNLI Diverted from raft race

RNLI Mumbles

Port Talbot RNLI Diverted from raft race
Port Talbot RNLI Diverted from raft race racing to the rescue

RNLI/Ceri Jeffreys

Port Talbot RNLI Diverted from raft race racing to the rescue

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.